Apparatus and method for acquiring and reading optical codes with result indication

In an apparatus and a method for reading and decoding optical codes, the indication of the result of a decoding attempt is carried out projecting a luminous figure onto the optical code, that is to say in the position on which the attention of the operator is focused. The luminous figure differs in shape from the acquisition light pattern for each result. The luminous figure can have an information content also more complex than the simple indication of the end of the decoding attempt.